AssetID: 55682414
Headline: Gotcha! Moment county line drug dealer caught by police after doing 72mph in 30mph zone
Caption: WORDS BYLINE: Joe Harbert This is the moment a drug dealer who drove at 72mph in a 30mph zone was caught by police. Kawser Azad was spotted by officers travelling along Stodmarsh Road, near Canterbury, in a black Mercedes in July 2022. After an unmarked police vehicle began following him, the 29-year-old accelerated away at high speed as soon as officers activated their lights. During the pursuit towards the city, he reached more than double the speed limit. Officers initially asked Azad, of Countess Road, Northampton, “What was all that about?” after the vehicle came to an abrupt halt in Sussex Avenue. Azad replied: “I don’t like police, man.” Police then responded: “Probably because you [have] drugs. Ridiculous driving, mate - you’re going to kill someone. It’s pointless.” Azad was believed to be a leading member of a county line supplying drugs across east Kent, including in the Canterbury area, known as the ‘Marlow line’. Officers initially arrested him on suspicion of dangerous driving. A search of the vehicle uncovered two mobile phones and more than 70 wraps of suspected Class A drugs. Azad was also detained on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of controlled substances. Forensic analysis later confirmed the seized items to be 37 wraps of diamorphine and 38 wraps of crack cocaine. Examination of the phones revealed extensive evidence of drug dealing, including a bulk message sent to hundreds of contacts advertising deals such as ‘1 for 10, 2 for 15, 3 for 20’. Azad, a British national, was subsequently charged with four offences, including two counts of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, the facilitation of a person with intent to exploit and dangerous driving. He was remanded in custody and appeared at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court the following day, where he was granted bail. Azad later pleaded guilty to all charges. He was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court to seven years in prison on May 1. DC Danny Holloway said: “Kawser Azad brought dangerous illegal drugs into East Kent, and I am pleased that he has received a custodial sentence for the harm he brought to our community. “I want this to serve as an example to others involved in the drug trafficking industry – we will find you, and we will bring you to justice.”
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PersonInImage: Kawser Azad was seen driving more than 70mph in a 30mph zone.